Given five choices, including a new performing arts centre, a bus terminal,
a soccer stadium or a bigger, better zoo, four out of 10 people surveyed in
and around Rochester, N.Y., most want . . . a fast ferry out of there.
They'd love an easy link to Toronto.

The City of Toronto - with one eye on the revitalization of the waterfront
and the other on our bid for the 2008 Olympics - and the Toronto Port
Authority are equal partners with Rochester and the surrounding Monroe
County in a serious bid to launch the ferries.

John Morand, general manager of the Toronto Port Authority, says the ships
could be in service by late 2002 or early 2003 with ``a huge economic and
environmental effect on the region. This would take literally thousands of
vehicles off the highways.

``While there is a very important element of cross-border tourism, this
service could be an economic tool far beyond that,'' said Marshall. ``A
gateway to Canada the way cities like Detroit and Buffalo have been, an
extension of the interstate highway system for commercial traffic from
Pennsylvania, Virginia . . .''

``This is not just a tourist boat going back and forth that we're talking
about.''

He believes the service could lead to Pearson International Airport becoming
Rochester's ``gateway to the world.''

This is something we have always wanted so we are pleased that it may
finally happen.